Whitwell, Hertfordshire

The Village Hillside Garden, Whitwell

From Concept to Completion

The Transformation

Before & After

Whitwell hillside garden, Hertfordshire — the garden before work beganWhitwell hillside garden, Hertfordshire — the finished garden
BeforeAfter

Drag the handle to reveal the transformation

Gallery

The Project

Whitwell hillside garden, Hertfordshire — the finished gardenWhitwell hillside garden, Hertfordshire — the hand-drawn design planWhitwell hillside garden, Hertfordshire — the garden before work beganWhitwell hillside garden, Hertfordshire — the garden before work beganWhitwell hillside garden, Hertfordshire — the garden before work beganWhitwell hillside garden, Hertfordshire — construction in progressWhitwell hillside garden, Hertfordshire — construction in progressWhitwell hillside garden, Hertfordshire — wide view of the completed gardenWhitwell hillside garden, Hertfordshire — construction in progressWhitwell hillside garden, Hertfordshire — the new patio and garden extensionWhitwell hillside garden, Hertfordshire — the firepit terraceWhitwell hillside garden, Hertfordshire — the hot tub areaWhitwell hillside garden, Hertfordshire — the layered planting scheme

This project demonstrates the transformation that can be achieved when thoughtful landscape design is combined with skilled craftsmanship. Working with a challenging sloping site, the brief was to create a beautiful and functional garden enjoyed throughout the year while making the most of the property’s elevated position and far-reaching countryside views.

The design introduces structure, balance and flow across multiple levels — strong architectural lines, generous terraces and carefully positioned planting creating interconnected outdoor spaces that work with the natural topography. Over a four-month build with our construction team, the steep site became a collection of elegant outdoor rooms linked by bespoke timber retaining walls, wide staircases and integrated seating, plus a single-storey extension at the base of the garden housing a downstairs toilet, alongside a new patio.

The central lawn provides a calm anchor; layered planting brings texture, colour and year-round interest. As daylight fades, considered lighting highlights key features and circulation routes, extending the garden’s use into the evening. What began as an excavated site is now a refined landscape that complements the house and balances structure with softness in every season.

Designed by Janina Baker and built by Baker Landscape Design

“Janina and her team were excellent from start to finish. Janina put together a beautiful in-depth plan to transform our garden. Her team then brought that plan to life and we couldn’t be happier with how it’s turned out. There were many different aspects to this job, from forming perfect terraces with the digger, to building an entire little extension! Her team took pride in everything they did and it really shows in the final result. It was a pleasure to work with her and her team and I will definitely be contacting them for the next project!”

Matt Cousins, Harpenden

Baker Landscape Design

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